Sat Jan 11 07:26:06 UTC 2025: ## UN Condemns Myanmar Military Air Strikes Killing Dozens in Rakhine State
**Yangon, Myanmar** – A devastating air attack by the Myanmar military in Rakhine State has left over 40 people dead and nearly 500 homes destroyed, the United Nations announced Friday. The attack, targeting the village of Kyauk Ni Maw in Ramree island township, reportedly included women and children among the victims.
The UN’s resident and humanitarian coordinator in Myanmar stated that fighting in Rakhine has intensified recently, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict. They cited extreme risks, acute food insecurity, and a near-total collapse of essential public services for the remaining population.
The attack is corroborated by eyewitness accounts from a rescue worker and the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group operating in the region. The AA released a list of at least 26 Muslim villagers killed and 12 injured. Graphic photos from the aftermath show a scene of devastation, with charred buildings and residents surveying the destruction.
Despite repeated requests for comment, the Myanmar military government has remained silent. The government consistently denies accusations of atrocities, claiming its actions are aimed at combating “terrorists.”
The UN statement urged all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure unhindered access for aid organizations to reach those in need. Meanwhile, the Blood Money Campaign, a coalition of Myanmar activists, is calling for international sanctions on entities supplying aviation fuel to the Myanmar military, arguing that halting this support is crucial to ending the air strikes.
The ongoing conflict, which began after the 2021 military coup, has displaced over 3.5 million people, a 1.5 million increase from last year, according to the UN. The situation in Rakhine, and across Myanmar, remains dire, with multiple armed groups actively fighting the military government.
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